Lightning Protection - Redline AN-80i User Manual

1.5

Lightning Protection

WARNING: The following notes are general recommendations for the system.
The wireless equipment should be installed by a qualified professional installer
who must follow local and national codes for electrical grounding and safety.
Failure to meet safety requirements and/or use of non-standard practices and
procedures could result in personal injury and damage to equipment. A direct
lightning strike may cause serious damage even if these guidelines are followed.
All outdoor wireless equipment is susceptible to lightning damage from a direct hit
or induced current from a near strike. Lightning protection and grounding practices
in local and national electrical codes serve to minimize equipment damage, service
outages, and serious injury. Reasons for lightning damage are summarized as:
a) Poorly grounded antenna sites that can conduct high lightning strike energy
into equipment.
b) Lack of properly installed lightning protection equipment that can cause
equipment failures from lightning induced currents.
A lighting protection system provides a means by which the energy may enter
earth without passing through and damaging parts of a structure. A lightning
protection system does not prevent lightning from striking; it provides a means for
controlling it and preventing damage by providing a low resistance path for the
discharge of energy to travel safely to ground. Improperly grounded connections
are also a source of noise that can cause sensitive equipment to malfunction.
A good grounding system disperses most of the surge energy from a lightning
strike away from the building and equipment. The remaining energy on the
Ethernet cable shield and center conductor can be directed safely to ground by
using a lightning arrestor in series with the cable.
If you have determined that it is appropriate to install lightning protection for your
system, the following general industry practices are provided as a guideline only:
1. The AC wall outlet ground for the indoor POE adapter should be connected to
the building grounding system. as the AN-80i lightning protectors.
2. Install a lightning arrestor in series with the Ethernet cable at the point of entry
to the building. The grounding wire should be connected to the same
termination point used for the tower or mast.
3. Install a lightning arrestor in series with the Ethernet cable as close to the AN-
80i as practical. The grounding wire should be connected to the same
termination point used for the tower or mast.
4. Provide direct grounding from the AN-80i, the mounting bracket, the antenna,
and the Ethernet cable surge protection to the same ground bus on the building.
Use the grounding screws provided for terminating the ground wires.
70-00072-01-01-DRAFT Proprietary Redline Communications © 2006
Page 9 of 60
AN-80i
user manual
October 18, 2006